2021 Senior Fellows (2nd & 3rd Year) Program | August 2021-Independent GI Practice

Pdf Summary

In this document, Joseph J. Vicari, MD, provides an overview of the basic components and work environment of an independent gastroenterology (GI) practice. He emphasizes the importance of choosing this profession, as it allows for the delivery of quality and cost-effective care in a value-focused era. The work involves a balance of office and procedural time and utilizes evolving cost-effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Additionally, there is a great variety of employment opportunities in this field, and GI specialists are well-compensated among specialties.<br /><br />The document outlines various organizational structures for GI practices, including solo practices, small independent groups, large independent groups, multispecialty groups, and hospital-owned groups. There are also corporate partnerships with equity investors and healthcare organizations like WellMed, Kaiser Permanente, Mayo, and Sutter. The organizational structure and leadership within a practice have a significant impact on its autonomy, administration, and priorities, such as quality outcomes, cost-efficiency, patient experience, RVU productivity, and work-life balance. The transition from employee to partner is another consideration, as well as the age distribution of partners.<br /><br />Practice economics play a crucial role in a GI practice, influencing the compensation philosophy, benefits, ancillary income opportunities (e.g., ambulatory surgery center, histopathology, anesthesia, infusion center, pharmacy, research, weight loss clinic), and the use of information technology for office operations, record access, patient communication, and more. Other factors that contribute to a practice's culture are its values, reputation with nursing service, referral base, diversity, on-call schedule and experience, continuing medical education, malpractice history, and overall happiness factor for the physicians.<br /><br />In summary, this document provides an overview of the various components and considerations involved in an independent GI practice. It highlights the importance of understanding organizational structures, practice economics, and culture when choosing a career in gastroenterology.

Asset Subtitle

Joseph Vicari, MD, MBA, FASGE

Keywords

independent gastroenterology practice

work environment

cost-effective care

employment opportunities

organizational structures

autonomy

practice economics

patient communication

practice culture

physician happiness